Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Redoing the Air Suspension System
| [GMCnet] Redoing the Air Suspension System [message #86312] |
Thu, 27 May 2010 14:20  |
Gary Bovee
Messages: 177
Registered: August 2008
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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This what I've got to deal with folks.
The PO decided to upgrade the EL-I system on my Royale by Coachman to EL-II.
He replaced the orginal level sensors and installed two new photo optic ride
height sensors. He kept the old Dana twin cylinder compressor and installed
new Parker solenoids and valves I believe trying to replicate the EL-II
system. After doing this he cut off most of the existing wiring connectors
coming to the EL-I system. He could never could figure out how to rewire
what he had created into the existing wiring harness (raise, lower, hold)
switches etc. My dilemma as a novice is how am I going to repair the
system. It has been suggested to me by a couple of GMCers to get away from
the EL-II system and go back to EL-I. It has also been suggested to me to
start over an install a Power Level system since my current system is in
such disarray. Since I know very little about either system I'm hoping a
few knowledgable GMCers will give me some suggestions on what you think
would be the better way to go.
After all the work I've done on this coach in the last two years I am ready
to take it to Jim K. and just say "fix it I don't care what it costs".
Fortunately, reality sets back in and this retirees knows he needs to start
pinching his pennies more and more. I don't want to end up like Ken
Henderson and come home with numerious boxes stacked up in front of the
house. I'm trying to avoid that.
Please advise. Totally lost.
Gary Bovee
Red Bluff, CA
78 Royale
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| Re: [GMCnet] Redoing the Air Suspension System [message #86313 is a reply to message #86312] |
Thu, 27 May 2010 14:34  |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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Hi Gary
I completely upgraded my EL II system 2 years ago with new pumps, solenoid valves, etc.
Give me some time to study both systems wiring schematics after this holiday weekend and I may be able to help you out.
Here are some pix's of my rebuild:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4679
These systems are not that complex.
Ray
Ray & Lisa Erspamer
78 Royale Center Kitchen
TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
________________________________
From: Gary Bovee <gcbgold@digitalpath.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thu, May 27, 2010 2:20:50 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Redoing the Air Suspension System
This what I've got to deal with folks.
The PO decided to upgrade the EL-I system on my Royale by Coachman to EL-II.
He replaced the orginal level sensors and installed two new photo optic ride
height sensors. He kept the old Dana twin cylinder compressor and installed
new Parker solenoids and valves I believe trying to replicate the EL-II
system. After doing this he cut off most of the existing wiring connectors
coming to the EL-I system. He could never could figure out how to rewire
what he had created into the existing wiring harness (raise, lower, hold)
switches etc. My dilemma as a novice is how am I going to repair the
system. It has been suggested to me by a couple of GMCers to get away from
the EL-II system and go back to EL-I. It has also been suggested to me to
start over an install a Power Level system since my current system is in
such disarray. Since I know very little about either system I'm hoping a
few knowledgable GMCers will give me some suggestions on what you think
would be the better way to go.
After all the work I've done on this coach in the last two years I am ready
to take it to Jim K. and just say "fix it I don't care what it costs".
Fortunately, reality sets back in and this retirees knows he needs to start
pinching his pennies more and more. I don't want to end up like Ken
Henderson and come home with numerious boxes stacked up in front of the
house. I'm trying to avoid that.
Please advise. Totally lost.
Gary Bovee
Red Bluff, CA
78 Royale
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GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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| Re: [GMCnet] Redoing the Air Suspension System [message #86314 is a reply to message #86312] |
Thu, 27 May 2010 14:40 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Gary,
You have probably seen Duane's summary of the systems and suggested modifications -- good reference when discussing with those offering to help...
http://www.gmcws.org/Tech/dsimmons/air_suspension/air-suspension-system.html
Dennis Sexton
73 GMC
Germantown, TN
USA
-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Bovee <gcbgold@digitalpath.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thu, May 27, 2010 2:20 pm
Subject: [GMCnet] Redoing the Air Suspension System
This what I've got to deal with folks.
The PO decided to upgrade the EL-I system on my Royale by Coachman to EL-II.
e replaced the orginal level sensors and installed two new photo optic ride
eight sensors. He kept the old Dana twin cylinder compressor and installed
ew Parker solenoids and valves I believe trying to replicate the EL-II
ystem. After doing this he cut off most of the existing wiring connectors
oming to the EL-I system. He could never could figure out how to rewire
hat he had created into the existing wiring harness (raise, lower, hold)
witches etc. My dilemma as a novice is how am I going to repair the
ystem. It has been suggested to me by a couple of GMCers to get away from
he EL-II system and go back to EL-I. It has also been suggested to me to
tart over an install a Power Level system since my current system is in
uch disarray. Since I know very little about either system I'm hoping a
ew knowledgable GMCers will give me some suggestions on what you think
ould be the better way to go.
After all the work I've done on this coach in the last two years I am ready
o take it to Jim K. and just say "fix it I don't care what it costs".
ortunately, reality sets back in and this retirees knows he needs to start
inching his pennies more and more. I don't want to end up like Ken
enderson and come home with numerious boxes stacked up in front of the
ouse. I'm trying to avoid that.
Please advise. Totally lost.
Gary Bovee
ed Bluff, CA
8 Royale
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MCnet mailing list
ist Information and Subscription Options:
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Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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| Re: [GMCnet] Redoing the Air Suspension System [message #86317 is a reply to message #86312] |
Thu, 27 May 2010 14:45 |
John Sharpe
Messages: 489
Registered: February 2006
Location: Texas
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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| Quote: |
as a novice is how am I going to repair the
system.
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Gary, Do you have the wiring diagrams for both the EL-I and EL-II systems? The EL-1 system has one more solenoid valve than the EL-II and the EL II runs 2 compressors . When I looked at this in the past it seam that 2 additional wires are needed to be run from the control panel to the valves and the wires on the switches need to be relocated. The EL-II system inherently has fewer leaks because there are far fewer parts on the air side. I'm sure the system can be converted as that are my plans for my Royale. I will be working on that this summer and let you know the progress. I think it would be an expensive nightmare to convert to power-level.
John Sharpe
Humble,TX
'78 Eleganza TBI
'89 Spectrum 2000 MPI V-10
'40 Ford Panel Delivery TPI
johnasharpe@gmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Redoing the Air Suspension System [message #86383 is a reply to message #86376] |
Fri, 28 May 2010 05:01 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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I fix everything , every crack, whistle,component , on the coach.
but
the big deal is to get-em-on-the-road and use them.
every time I get home, I have a new plan and a new order of things to be
done. It is never booring.
just keep me off the hook, and safe
Everything in it's own time ;>)
gene
On Thu, May 27, 2010 at 10:51 PM, D. Crisis <4701@opg.org> wrote:
> Schrader valves are what I have now since the compressor conked out on
> the PO. I want to be able to adjust it. I'll be fine without the
> auto-level, but I want to be able to adjust it without trying to find an
> air chuck that can handle that kind of pressure. I'm guessing that the
> standard gas station won't always be able to do that.
>
> DC
>
> On 05/27/2010 06:53 PM, Mr.erf ERFisher wrote:
> > some folks have gone for years with just schrader valves,if you don't
> want
> > face it now ;>)
> >
> > gene
> >
>
> _______________________________________________
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--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] Redoing the Air Suspension System [message #86596 is a reply to message #86312] |
Sun, 30 May 2010 10:14 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Ray
It appears your Compressor and control is IN the coach.
My 74 Glacier has the compressor and piping and miles of tubes ( thank you PO ) in the front. It currently has the valve type system in the dash.
I have had such bad luck with those valve levelers that I am considering going to magnetic switches and valves, basically, electronic control.
That is way down the "whats next" list but the current system has to be watched over all the time, to the point that level has to be kept in mind, even while traveling.
I know other owners have the leveling system out of mind when traveling but this aint one of them....
I have done several attempts to make the system work better and am now where I am today. The weak point is the cheap levelers that cost a lot. Basically, they fall apart on the road. The worst was installed NEW by one of the venders, so it had to be installed properly. But for a time, I had to run with the isolation valves closed because the level valve would drop the lever arm while in transit. These new levelers have nothing to hold the arm in place but tension so it comes right off.
I had made a electronic shematic for the changeover and will be selecting parts sometime for the renewal.
LarC ( Never claimed to be an engineer, but sure do design and create some great things )
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
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| Re: [GMCnet] Redoing the Air Suspension System [message #86609 is a reply to message #86596] |
Sun, 30 May 2010 12:32 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Larry C wrote on Sun, 30 May 2010 08:14 |
...
My 74 Glacier has the compressor and piping and miles of tubes ( thank you PO ) in the front. It currently has the valve type system in the dash.
I have had such bad luck with those valve levelers that ...
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Sounds like your current system is the stock power level system and not a "PO issue."
A few of the vendors have quality leveling valves, For example: <http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/685>
Personally, I too like electronic controls. Keeps the air side of the system simple. If (when???) I where to update my '73, I would use the "Electro-Level 2000" as a guide. <http://www.mumert.com/el2000.htm>
But I do understand that many find it easier to understand a non-electric system like the power level.
Both methods can be made to work. ... so can a pair of Schrader valves. Like Gene says: Keep them on the road and in use!
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Redoing the Air Suspension System [message #86628 is a reply to message #86596] |
Sun, 30 May 2010 15:59 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Larry,
Your '74 has the OEM Powerlevel system, the same as my '75 Avions.
On The Blue Streak I rebuilt the system:
1) Replaced the valves in the dash with the ones from J.R. Slaton
2) Replaced the two ride height valves in the wheel wells with rebuilt units
from Dave Lenzi
3) Replaced all the tubing with tubing from McMaster-Carr
4) Replaced all the fittings (still had some of the plastic ones) with high
quality air brake fittings from McMaster-Carr
5) Removed, cleaned, and repainted the air tank
6) PO had installed a Viair pump
7) Installed a remote air intake kit from Jim B
8) Installed a new 140 psi pressure switch from Jim B
9) Installed a filter between the air compressor and the tank which I think
I got at Home Depot or Lowe's.
I did the same thing to Double Trouble but it didn't need all the parts
listed above and it works great. I am not knocking EL or EL II but the
Powerlevel system follows the KISS principle!
Here's a write-up on the Powerlevel system done by Rick Denny:
http://www.gmceast.com/Power%20Level%20System%20watermark.pdf
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: Larry
Ray
It appears your Compressor and control is IN the coach.
My 74 Glacier has the compressor and piping and miles of tubes ( thank you
PO ) in the front. It currently has the valve type system in the dash.
I have had such bad luck with those valve levelers that I am considering
going to magnetic switches and valves, basically, electronic control.
That is way down the "whats next" list but the current system has to be
watched over all the time, to the point that level has to be kept in mind,
even while traveling.
I know other owners have the leveling system out of mind when traveling but
this aint one of them....
I have done several attempts to make the system work better and am now where
I am today. The weak point is the cheap levelers that cost a lot.
Basically, they fall apart on the road. The worst was installed NEW by one
of the venders, so it had to be installed properly. But for a time, I had
to run with the isolation valves closed because the level valve would drop
the lever arm while in transit. These new levelers have nothing to hold the
arm in place but tension so it comes right off.
I had made a electronic shematic for the changeover and will be selecting
parts sometime for the renewal.
LarC
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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